J&K admin’s innovative scheme saving dying Kashmiri arts

Srinagar, May 17 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir administration’s Karkhanadar’ scheme has proved to be a lifesaver for dying Kashmiri handicrafts such as glazed pottery and silverware work as it has trained more than 1000 artisans in traditional arts.

“Every year we felicitate artisans, give awards to acclaimed artisans and then they are forgotten. These artisans have unique specialised skills which we wanted to be passed on to the younger generation. That’s why we introduced this ‘Karkhanadar’ scheme,” Director Handicrafts Mahmood Shah told PTI.

“We pay a stipend to both the trainer and the trainees while also covering the cost of raw materials. By virtue of this scheme, we were able to revive glazed pottery, silverware work and other crafts, he added.

According to Shah, the focus of the scheme is the “transmission of refined skill sets” from acclaimed artisans to the younger generation.

Shah said at the 11 Karkhanas’ (manufacturing units) established by the department, more than 1,000 artisans have been trained so far. Under the scheme, the best of the trainees and trainers will also be granted awards so that their efforts are recognised, he said.

Master craftsman Abdul Majeed Mir, who runs one such Karkhana’, said the scheme has provided a new lease of life to the dying arts of Kashmir.

“I am training 10 girls in Aari (embroidery) work. They are attending training classes regularly and I hope they will also get a state award. This scheme helps young artisans to grow in this art so that they can design ‘pherans’ (traditional outfits), shawls and develop new designs. They will be self-sufficient and generate a source of income for themselves,” Mir said.

He said if this scheme had not been introduced, this art would have died.

“This scheme will help to carry forward this art to the next generations. Like I train them, they will take it to others. So, it will remain alive,” Mir said.

Rukaya, a trainee at Mir’s ‘Karakhana’, lauded the scheme, saying she gets a stipend while learning art.

“If we go to other training centres, we have to pay a fee there but here it’s free. On the contrary, the administration is paying us to learn this art,” she said.

A graduate, Rukaya feels that there are not many job avenues.

“So, I thought I should learn Aari work as it is popular among women, especially homemakers who can work from their house… This is very important for women’s empowerment,” she added.

Uzrat, another trainee, corroborated her views, saying the scheme also connects women through work.

“Usually we are told to sit at home. Through this scheme, we not only learn art but also connect with other women. In future, we can open our own centres and provide a platform for others to learn the craft. We are artisans and the department is training us to improve our art,” she said.